This paper is the result of environmental geological survey engineering.

Objective Heavy metal pollution from metal mines poses a major challenge to maintaining ecological sustainability. Source apportionment and risk assessment of soil heavy metal pollution in non-ferrous metal mining areas can provide a scientific basis for targeted pollution control and ecological risk management.

Methods An abandoned tungsten mine and its surrounding area in southern Jiangxi Province were selected as the study area. A total of 19 surface soil (sediment) samples and 10 rock samples were systematically collected. The concentrations of Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, W, As, and Hg in soils and rocks were determined by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS). Pollution levels and potential ecological risks were evaluated using the Nemerow comprehensive pollution index and the potential ecological risk index, respectively. Health risks from soil heavy metals were assessed via Monte Carlo simulation. Source apportionment and contribution rates were quantified using the absolute principal component score-multiple linear regression (APCS-MLR) model, and priority control factors were identified accordingly.

Results (1) Heavy metal concentrations in surface soils exceeded the soil background values of Jiangxi Province by factors of 1.03–146, with W showing the most pronounced accumulation. As, Cd, and Cu were the main elements exceeding regulatory standards, with exceedance sites concentrated along river channels, downstream farmlands, and areas near tailings. (2) Risk assessment revealed non-negligible health risks in the study area. As was the core driver of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks, while Cd was the primary contributor to potential ecological risk. (3) APCS-MLR identified four sources—mining activities, parent rock weathering, domestic emissions, and an unidentified source—with contributions of 42.5%, 38.6%, 5.2%, and 13.7%, respectively. The mining source contributed 72.7% of W, 84.9% of Cd, 86.9% of Cu, and 37.3% of As. (4) Based on the relationships among heavy metals, pollution sources, and risks, mining activities were identified as the priority control source and Cd as the priority control factor.

Conclusion Ecological revegetation has reduced exposure frequency, and the actual health risk is lower than modeled values. However, residual tailings and waste rocks continue to release heavy metals, and the potential ecological risk should not be overlooked. By integrating quantitative source apportionment with risk assessment, this study provides an effective basis for policymakers to design targeted control policies and reduce management costs, and highlights the value of Cd-centered precision control strategies in similar mining areas.